Microtubules (MTs) are essential for cell division, which makes them target in cancer therapies with antitubulin drugs. As drugs have often side effects, sensitization of MTs could help to lower drug dosage. This project aims to determine effects of nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs) on MTs, and sensitize MTs to antitubulin drugs by nsEPs. Unique microscope compatible microfluidic chips for nsEPs application will be developed and optimized. To provide theoretical guidance to experiments, we will perform in silico prediction of the effects and optimization of nsEPs parameters for MTs targeting. Furthermore, we will develop methods for the analysis of morphological and dynamic effects of nsEPs using advanced microscopic techniques and image analysis. The efficacy of nsEPs on MTs in vitro and on their organization, nucleation and dynamics in cells will be determined. Combined effects of nsEPs and antitubulin drugs in cells will also be evaluated. The project is expected to unravel new mechanisms of MT sensitization and could open doors to new cancer treatment protocols.
Menu